Ok,I've been going through this thread and have read through a few hundred pages and have printed out the plans for a 33" UC version.
Although I have some time on a Honeybee FP helicopter this will be my first fixed wing aircraft so I would like to ask for some advice on components.

Although I have never used them, I've heard of issues with those TowerPro Mag8 ESC's. IMHO, buy either a Turnigy Plush or Mystery Blue Series. Don't forget to buy a matching programming card if available.

HK is currently out of stock on the Turnigy Plush ESC's, you can buy locally (USA) at HobbyPartz. They sell Hobbywing and Exceed RC ESC's. Turnigy Plush, Hobbywing and Exceed RC are all the same ESC... just rebranded. IMHO these are the best bang for the buck in ESC's:

The towerpro esc's have had issues with programming, (complicated and not the same # beeps between models) but for an easy flyer, you will probably just use it as it comes. The similar size Hobbyking SS model esc's are good too. For the motor/pack on a 33, I'd start with a GWS 8040.

Ok,I've been going through this thread and have read through a few hundred pages and have printed out the plans for a 33" UC version.
Although I have some time on a Honeybee FP helicopter this will be my first fixed wing aircraft so I would like to ask for some advice on components.

Ade: I have one of the Hobbyking ss 18-20esc's and it works fine for me. Didn't need to do anything to program it i.e. just soldered connectors and plugged it in. I think it autodetects the number of cells in the lipo pack, a useful feature.

Griff: try clicking on the hobby king header at top of this page. It always takes me there (and I think it makes some money for RCG)

I had a problem with one of the TowerPro Mag8's too..... Even though I was using a lipo I had to tell it I was using a nimh battery. Once I did that it worked ok, but it was a nightmare figuring that out. I too like the Exceed ones that Philip pointed out. I've also had good luck with the HK SS series. Both the Exceeds and the HK's, I just plug 'em in and let 'em rip. I do have an HK SS that is squirrely right now, but I think that may have been from ramming it into the concrete a few times.

Same here. A couple of Mag's and both problematic. The HK-SS ESC have however been real good to me. I actually have an SS40 on my T-Rex 450 and I have no complaints. Works fine. I am slowly switching to CC ESC's these days to support the local LHS's but frankly the HK's have worked fine.

ive had decent luck with the rctimer esc's had a few i had to change the timing from low to medium setting or else the motor would cut out or lose time if the throttle was move to max to quickly . Very easy to program with included instructions

BB 33 has plenty of wing area so an 18-20 Amp esc is fine. You could get a 10-12 Amp if you consider the cost is cheap enough, but compare weights and a couple grams here and there won't matter much. Batteries that different people use make a much larger weight differance and they all work fine!

Most Chinese ESC'c work well for the price. Most work well with out of box configuration. After flying fixed wing a while, you will want to mess with things for the fun and slightly better performance sometimes. Believe me plug and play works well.

I didn't know if Ripmax is still in business in the UK, but I used to get plenty of their stuff in USA when Hobby People carried their stuff. Real good luck with their gear, but again, if chinese is cheaper, I'm not having problems with their stuff either.

Enjoy and share some pictures of your BB when it's done, we would love to see what you come up with.

BB 33 has plenty of wing area so an 18-20 Amp esc is fine. You could get a 10-12 Amp if you consider the cost is cheap enough, but compare weights and a couple grams here and there won't matter much.

I agree with that too..... The lighter the better, but saving a few grams difference in a 10 amp or 18 amp ESC..... get one you know can handle the load plus you can use it in something else if you'd like. I understand figuring the load and matching your components and all but all too often I just stick whatever I've got in there and let it rip. If a plane flies nice, I might tweak my components later, but so many planes, so little time ya know?

I am still trying to get around to finishing assembly of my BB33 but have experience with setups with models of this type/size/weight.

I have used several makes of esc with and without issues. The best smaller ones I have found are Himodel and Hobbywing. I have no experience of Turnigy but know people who have used them with good results.

As you are in the UK no need to go to Hobbyking you can get all the suitable parts here for similar prices and you do not have to wait for a couple of weeks.